Yes, it’s true. Professor Tomáš Kubinek’s collaboration with Orchestra Iowa was no less than hilarious. And yes, the professor undoubtedly maintained his usual look of a typical lunatic. Right off the bat, Tomáš became the source of the audience’s continuous laughter as he entered West High Auditorium being carried on a litter acting as if he were a king. From start to finish, Tomáš remained unpredictable and entertaining. Before the professsor even opened his mouth, he made sure his hair stood straight up. I’m assuming he felt uncomfortable with having his hair lay flat on his head… Followed by this ultimate hairstyle decision, he instantly showed off his flexibility by balancing a glass of wine on what he calls his “five-head,” playing a banjo, and whistling a tune while slowly lowering his back to the ground. Wait it gets better… he then used his knees to hold the glass of wine and managed to do a backward roll. By the second act, Professor Kubinek and Timothy Hankewich, Orchestra Iowa’s conductor, were fighting for the conductor role as if they were two brothers fighting over a controller to play a video game. To make this scene even more amusing, the symphony played the famous horse racing song, “William Tell” by Gioachino Rossini.
Although I am considered a “newbie” to the symphonic scene, I’m almost positive that lunatics are not usually integrated into a traditional symphony performance. Perhaps the professor’s untraditional crazy act is what can possibly revive an appreciation for symphonic performances in today’s music world. Professor Kubinek’s humorous interaction with the audience took a typical orchestra production to a whole new level. At the end of the show, I overheard an audience member say, “this show was definitely something for everyone.” And indeed it was. I was truly impressed that the professor’s humor related to kids, adults, senior citizens, and yes, even college students. Aside from Tomáš’ loony character, I was also captivated by Orchestra Iowa’s performance. I’m actually interested in researching their pieces of music for my choreographic studies as a dance major. Let’s hope this will not be the last time Professor Tomáš Kubinek and Orchestra Iowa will entertain the Hancher audience.
—Melissa
